The FCC has approved Charter Communications' $28 billion acquisition of Cox Communications, creating the largest internet service provider in the United States. The merger combines Charter's Spectrum service with Cox's cable operations, giving the combined entity control over more than 30 million broadband subscribers across 41 states.

Consumer advocates had raised concerns about reduced competition in broadband markets. The petition against the deal cited research showing airline mergers increased fares not just on overlapping routes but also on non-competing ones. Public Knowledge Legal Director John Bergmayer criticized the FCC for imposing no new conditions on Charter, contrasting it with the 2016 merger with Time Warner Cable that included restrictions on data caps and usage-based pricing.

California regulators noted that Charter and Cox directly compete in 25,503 locations, with both companies offering gigabit service in many areas. The merger eliminates competition in these markets, leaving customers with only one provider for high-speed internet. Charter already operates as the sole gigabit provider in 48% of its territory, while Cox holds similar monopoly positions in 65% of its footprint.